Welcome to a truly inspiring home transformation story that began, as many do, with a vision for a neglected space. This particular narrative centers around a charming 1876 “brownstone” in Ontario, Canada, and the incredible journey its new owners, Emma and her family, embarked upon to convert it from fragmented apartments back into a cohesive, single-family home. At the heart of their ambitious project lay a special mission: to craft an extraordinary bedroom for their five-year-old son, Angus. What unfolded was a delightful blend of creativity, hard work, and a healthy dose of parental humor, culminating in a space that is as functional as it is fantastical.
Emma’s personal account of this remarkable makeover provides a candid and often hilarious glimpse into the realities of large-scale renovations, especially when a child’s dream room is at stake. The “before” photos of Angus’s future sanctuary reveal a stark contrast to its current vibrant state. Prior to the family moving in, this third-floor room served as the unadorned living quarters for a medical student from a nearby university. Imagine a plain, functional space, devoid of personality, and then picture the whimsical, adventurous haven it was destined to become. The transformation wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about reclaiming history, restoring character, and infusing modern family life into the bones of a century-old structure.
The Ambitious Renovation Journey: From Four Apartments to One Home
Three years ago, Emma and her husband took on the monumental task of restoring this grand 1876 “brownstone.” While the term “brownstone” often conjures images of New York City and its iconic architecture, this particular gem is nestled in the picturesque landscape of Ontario, Canada, and, as Emma humorously points out, it’s not even made of brownstone! The previous life of the house as four separate apartments presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Each floor, each room, needed to be reimagined and integrated into a harmonious whole. The initial phase of their renovation focused on the absolute essentials – ensuring a working kitchen and functional toilets – the foundational elements that turn a house into a livable home. Only after these critical necessities were addressed could they turn their attention to more personalized projects, such as Angus’s bedroom.
Angus’s room, situated on the third floor, was a prime candidate for a complete overhaul. The transition from a utilitarian living space to a vibrant child’s bedroom required careful planning and imaginative design. Emma and her husband recognized that this wasn’t just another room; it was a canvas for their son’s childhood, a place where memories would be made and dreams would take flight. Their vision extended beyond mere decoration; it encompassed creating a space that would grow with Angus, offering both comfort and endless possibilities for play and imagination. This long-term perspective guided their choices, from the major structural changes to the smallest decorative details.
Crafting a Dream Space: The Genesis of the Built-In Bunk Bed Loft
With the initial structural necessities of the house complete, Emma and her husband zeroed in on Angus’s bedroom, driven by two key objectives. First, and perhaps most practically, the room desperately needed closets. Storage is paramount in any home, especially in a child’s room where toys, clothes, and treasures accumulate rapidly. The addition of custom-built storage solutions would not only tidy the space but also enhance its functionality and organization. Second, and undoubtedly more whimsically, they decided the room “should be out-of-the-park awesome.” This wasn’t just about creating a nice bedroom; it was about forging an unforgettable sanctuary, a space so uniquely captivating that, in Emma’s playful words, Angus “will never leave home and will look after us when we are old and can’t find our false teeth.”
Of course, Emma notes, this grand plan might require a “re-visit” when Angus turns 16 and potentially takes up the drums, or when he finds a spouse who might not fancy sleeping on a bunk bed! This humorous acknowledgment highlights the fleeting nature of childhood dreams and the ever-evolving dynamics of family life, yet it underscores the deep love and imaginative spirit driving the project. The centerpiece of this “out-of-the-park awesome” vision was the built-in bunk bed loft. This ingenious solution not only addressed the need for sleeping space but also created an entire play zone beneath and around it, maximizing every inch of the room. Emma attributes the primary construction of this magnificent structure to her husband, while she humorously claims her role was to “helpfully pointed out where things didn’t line up,” a testament to their collaborative, and often amusing, teamwork.
Embracing the Theme: Coastal Charm Meets Playful Adventure
The design direction for Angus’s room was clear from the outset: a “campy/beach club look.” This theme evokes a sense of relaxed vacation, outdoor adventure, and playful escapism, perfectly suited for a young boy’s imagination. To truly bring this vision to life, Emma’s husband incorporated a standout feature that elevates the entire space: a cedar shake roof for the bunk bed loft. This architectural detail instantly transforms the sleeping area into something more akin to a charming playhouse, or perhaps, as Emma muses, a rustic “crab shack.” The cedar shakes, with their natural texture and warm tones, add an organic, tactile element that grounds the fantastical design in a sense of authentic craftsmanship. It’s details like these that elevate a simple bunk bed into an immersive experience.
The choice of a cedar shake roof goes beyond mere aesthetics; it encourages imaginative play. What child wouldn’t dream of having their own personal fort, a secret hideaway built right into their bedroom? This design element taps into a universal childhood fantasy, transforming the mundane act of going to bed into an exciting adventure. The “campy/beach club” theme is further reinforced by other subtle elements throughout the room, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. It speaks to a sense of freedom, exploration, and the joy of summer days, making Angus’s room not just a place to sleep, but a vibrant backdrop for countless stories and imaginative journeys. This playful theme is a brilliant way to inject personality and fun into a child’s personal space, making it truly unique and memorable.
A World of Wonder: The Iconic Map Wallpaper Installation
One of the most striking and personal elements of Angus’s room makeover is the captivating map wallpaper. Emma confesses to having “impulse-ordered it well before we had even moved in to the house,” a testament to its undeniable appeal and her keen eye for design. This choice reflects a desire to inspire curiosity and a love for discovery in her son, transforming a simple wall into a portal to global adventures. The decision to use map wallpaper is not only visually stunning but also incredibly educational, providing an ever-present reference point for learning about geography and the diverse cultures of the world.
However, the installation of such an ambitious wallpaper project wasn’t without its challenges. Emma humorously recalls hearing that “wallpapering is a real relationship tester,” a sentiment many DIY enthusiasts can relate to. Armed with a bucket of paste, a few glasses of wine, and the quiet solitude of a late night after the kiddos were asleep, they embarked on the painstaking task. The most “nerve-wracking” part, she recounts, was the realization that the wall wasn’t quite large enough to accommodate the entire earth. This meant the difficult, almost existential, decision of choosing which parts of the world to omit. Emma playfully anticipates Angus’s future surprise when he eventually “discovers the existence of amazing places like ‘New Zealand,’ ‘Fiji,’ and ‘Alaska’” – a charming reminder that even in a world-spanning design, some delightful discoveries are still to come. This personal touch adds a layer of endearing humor to the project, making the room’s narrative even richer and more relatable.
The Finishing Touches & Lasting Impact of a Childhood Dream
Reflecting on the entire process, Emma enthusiastically declared that “This room was so much fun to do.” This sentiment is palpable in every detail of Angus’s finished bedroom, a space that seamlessly blends practicality with boundless imagination. The built-in bunk bed loft, complete with its whimsical cedar shake roof, provides not only a cozy sleeping area but also a personal fortress for play and dreaming. The integrated storage solutions discreetly address the need for organization, ensuring that the room remains a haven rather than a cluttered space. Meanwhile, the stunning map wallpaper serves as a constant source of inspiration, inviting Angus to explore the world from the comfort of his own bed.
The transformation of this once-ordinary medical student’s living room into a “campy/beach club” themed wonderland is a testament to the power of creative vision and dedicated effort. It’s a space that encourages adventure, fosters learning, and celebrates the magic of childhood. Angus is indeed a lucky guy to have such a thoughtfully designed and personally crafted room. Emma’s humorous aspiration of creating a space so incredible that he “will never leave home” speaks volumes about the emotional investment and love poured into this project. While the future may hold new adventures and changing preferences for Angus, the memories forged in this unique bedroom will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
This bedroom makeover is more than just a renovation; it’s an heirloom of experience, a tangible expression of parental love and ingenuity. It stands as a brilliant example for anyone looking to create truly special spaces for their children, proving that with a clear vision, a bit of humor, and hands-on effort, even the most ambitious dreams can be realized. We hope you guys like it as much as we do!
Angus’s bedroom is truly a masterpiece of design and dedication. Emma has indeed achieved something remarkable, creating a space that is both visually stunning and deeply personal. Her witty take on parenting and home renovation is incredibly engaging and offers a refreshing perspective on the joys and challenges of creating a dream home. For more detailed insights, additional photos, and further inspiration from this incredible makeover, be sure to visit Emma’s blog. Her passion for design and her ability to weave personal stories into her projects make for a truly captivating read. Thanks, Emma, for sharing this wonderful journey with us!